To Go On Living

“I want to be useful or bring enjoyment to all people, even those I’ve never met. I want to go on living even after death! And therefore, I am grateful to God for this gift, this possibility of developing myself and of writing, of expressing all that is in me. I can shake off everything if I write; my sorrows disappear; my courage is reborn. But and that is the great question, will I ever be able to write anything great, will I ever become a journalist or a writer?” 

These words were written by Anne Frank, during her two years in hiding before her tragic death at the age of fifteen. It is chilling, yet awe-inspiring to read those words, knowing that her cruel and early death did not stop her from continuing to go on living as a powerful force of good and hope. She expressed all that was in her, and the answer to her question, “will I ever be able to write anything great?” is a clear and resounding YES! Oh, what a loss and a treasure in this young life. 

In Courage is Calling, Ryan Holiday noted that sometimes we must go through the wilderness alone. He reminds us that there are times we will find ourselves in the wilderness or in a desert or desolate valley. These low points can make us bitter or better. He says, “you have to make sure it makes you better. Because people are counting on you. Don’t give up hope. Don’t give up on them...This desert, this wilderness was given to you to cross. It’s part of your journey. To struggle makes the destination glorious. And heroic.”  

Our response to struggle should be to love. To connect and share in a way that brings peace into this world that is so often is full of pain and suffering. There is a wealth of senseless suffering and loss. People carry crippling burdens we cannot see. We need not add to anyone's load. Ours is to move forward in life, to be useful, to bring enjoyment to our fellow travelers in life. We need a better spirit, not a bitter one. We need a spirit of love, joy, peace, and patience. A spirit of kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness. A spirit of self-control. So, as we each enter our own wilderness, may we find strength and courage to “shake off everything” that hinders us, because others count on us. And we count on others to do the same.

So today, I pray you and I live these words of Anne and Ryan.

Cling to hope, share our love, and learn to be better.

And may we all remember to go on living.

Background image photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash